Ozempic can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Consider limiting foods that can cause digestive discomfort, such as high fat and fried foods, while you are using the medication.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) is an injectable medication that is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug helps manage blood sugar levels.
It also changes how your body processes food, specifically by delaying gastric emptying, so you should consider avoiding foods that cause your digestive system discomfort.
Instead, you could choose foods that are part of a balanced eating plan for type 2 diabetes, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.
What foods and drinks should you avoid while taking Ozempic?
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Common side effects of semaglutide (Ozempic) are gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain. If you eat foods that disrupt your gastrointestinal system, those symptoms could become worse.
You might also consider choosing to enjoy smaller meals instead of eating a lot of food in one sitting.
Keeping a food diary
While taking semaglutide (Ozempic), you may find some foods are particularly irritating to your gut or are more likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Keeping a food log and making a note of any side effects you experience and the time of day you experience them can help you manage your meals. You can also take your food log to discuss with a doctor or healthcare professional.
What happens if you include high fat foods in your diet while taking Ozempic?
If you include high fat or fried foods in your diet while taking semaglutide (Ozempic), you might find you have more gastrointestinal side effects.
However, there’s no research regarding specific foods and their effect on semaglutide (Ozempic’s) efficacy.
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What are some great foods that maximize Ozempic’s benefits?
Semaglutide (Ozempic) helps manage blood sugar levels, or blood glucose levels, in people with type 2 diabetes, but you should use it in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Following an eating plan that manages your blood sugar should help Ozempic work best.
vegetables: such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn
fruits: such as oranges, berries, bananas, and grapes
grains: like wheat, oats, cornmeal, and barley
protein: like lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, dried beans, and tofu
dairy products: like milk, yogurt, and cheese
heart-healthy fats: such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, salmon, and tuna
The NIDDK notes that half of your grain intake should be whole grains, and it’s preferable to have low fat or nonfat dairy products.
If you are eating to manage diabetes, you might also want to avoid certain foods, such as:
foods high in saturated or trans fats
foods high in salt
baked goods
candy
soda with added sugars
Making these types of food choices might help you reach your diabetes and weight management goals.
How does Ozempic work?
In type 2 diabetes, the process of insulin secretion might not work properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin helps the body move sugar from the blood into cells so it can be used as energy. It also helps the liver to store blood sugar.
Semaglutide (Ozempic) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by telling your body to release insulin after a meal. Semaglutide (Ozempic) and other GLP-1 agonists can also lead to delayed gastric emptying, which means food takes longer to digest. This keeps you full longer and reduces after-meal blood sugar levels.
Currently, semaglutide (Ozempic) has FDA approval, alongside diet and exercise, to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the chance of heart attack, stroke, or death in people with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.
Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss, although some doctors might prescribe it off-label to manage obesity.
The semaglutide (Ozempic) manufacturer also cautions that since the medication delays gastric emptying, it might affect how your body absorbs other oral medications you may take. A doctor or healthcare professional will take this into account when prescribing the medication.
To help with side effects like nausea, you can try eating foods containing water, like soups, or bland foods like crackers, toast, or rice. Eating slower, getting fresh air, drinking clear or ice-cold water, and avoiding lying down right after you eat can also help.
Are there any approved weight management medications?
The FDA has approved several medications for weight management. These include Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.
Weight management medicines approved by the FDA are:
Orlistat is available over the counter (OTC) under the brand name Alli. The OTC version has different dosing recommendations, so it’s best to check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional if this could work for you.
Speaking with a doctor
You can speak with a doctor about what to eat while you are taking Ozempic. Consider asking:
How best can I meet my weight management goals while taking Ozempic?
How can I effectively manage my blood sugar?
Can you recommend a model diet for type 2 diabetes?
When should I contact you about Ozempic side effects?
A healthcare professional can offer tailored information for your particular situation and needs.
Summary
Semaglutide (Ozempic) works by stimulating the release of insulin in the body. It’s FDA approved for type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It also causes delayed gastric emptying, so food stays in your system for longer.
You may consider avoiding foods that can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as high fat and fried foods, and alcohol. To help Ozempic work best, consider following a balanced, healthy eating plan appropriate for diabetes management.
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